Docking connector platform for mobile electronic devices

ABSTRACT

Docking platforms formed in one of the largest-surface-area surfaces of mobile electronic devices. Such a docking platform may comprise a docking accessory cavity having a docking connection system comprising one or more docking connectors formed within the cavity, and optionally two or more electrical contacts within the cavity, the contacts electrically connected to electronics within the electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The cavities of the docking platforms are shaped to accommodate a broad range of docking accessories that are specially adapted to sit in a generally flush manner with the back surface of the mobile electronic device while attached to the docking connectors. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Pat. App. No. 61/833,634 andPCT App. No. PCT/US13/30991, which claims the benefit of U.S. Pat. App.No. 61/610,575, and incorporates all these applications by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to docking connectors for mobileelectronic devices. In particular, embodiments of the present inventionrelate to docking connectors disposed on a largest-surface-area surfaceof the electronic devices.

Discussion of Related Art

Mobile electronic devices often comprise docking connectors, whichenable the mobile electronic devices to temporarily attach to multipleexternal docking accessories, such as speakers and batteries, generallyfurther enabling power and data transmission between the mobileelectronic device and the docking accessories. Docking connectors aregenerally housed on one of the edges of the mobile electronic device, asopposed to one of the two major faces of a typical mobile electronicdevice, wherein the front face is generally designated by the locationof a screen, should the device house a screen, and the back face isdesignated as the face opposite the front face. For example, thesmartphone shown in FIG. 1A (Prior Art) has two major faces and fourrelatively narrow edges, with a docking connector housed on the bottomedge. A shortfall of housing a docking connector on the edge of a mobileelectronic device is that when the device is attached to dockingaccessories, the resultant system is generally inconvenient fortransport. If the docking accessories attach by a flexible cable to thedocking connector as shown in FIG. 1A, the resultant system comprisestwo or more independently moving bodies, connected by the flexiblecable, and is thus inconvenient for transport. If the dockingaccessories attach in a rigid fashion to the docking connector, theresultant system generally increases the effective magnitude of at leastone of the dimensions of the mobile electronic device to a degree thatrenders the resultant system inconvenient for transport. This is due tothe fact that the edges of mobile electronic devices generally have arelatively small surface area compared to the front and back faces ofthe devices; thus, to accommodate the volume of a docking accessory thatis rigidly attached to such an edge, the resultant system generallyextends significantly in directions away from the docking connectoredge. See for example FIG. 1B (Prior Art).

To address the preceding docking-system transport problem, some dockingaccessories, such as certain supplemental batteries, are manufactured asparts of mobile electronic device cases. The resultant “docking cases”attach to mobile electronic devices, both at their docking connectors(as standard docking accessories attach) and around their various edges(as standard mobile electronic device cases attach), to enable thedocking accessories to be transported securely against the back faces ofthe mobile electronic devices. See for example FIG. 1C (Prior Art). In asimilar vein, some docking accessories are manufactured as parts ofdocking “sleeves” (or “jackets”), which attach to compatible mobileelectronic devices at their side edges and at their docking connectors(some docking sleeves are themselves operable to form detachableattachments to independent docking accessories). See for example FIG. 1D(Prior Art). Docking cases and sleeves enable the majority of the volumeof docking accessories to be distributed in a generally even manneracross the relatively large back faces of mobile electronic devices,with the aim of minimizing effective increases in magnitude to anysingle dimension of the mobile electronic device and thus enabling theresultant systems to be transported in a convenient fashion. While goingsome way to mitigate the increase in effective size of mobile electronicdevices to which docking cases and sleeves are attached, the mainshortfall with this method for addressing the docking-system transportproblem is that docking cases and sleeves nevertheless can increase theeffective size of the corresponding mobile electronic device, both inthe dimension perpendicular to the back face of the mobile electronicdevice and in the dimension perpendicular to the face of the edge thathouses the docking connector.

A second method for addressing the docking-system transport problem isto (i) recess a portion of a selected edge of a mobile electronic deviceto form a rectangular cavity that is open both at the selected edge andat the backside of the mobile electronic device; (ii) form a dockingconnector on the recessed edge; and (iii) form rails (or tracks) on thetwo cavity edges perpendicular to the recessed edge. See for exampleFIG. 1E (Prior Art). The rails serve to guide docking accessories asthey are inserted into the rectangular cavity through the opening on theselected edge and to help fix the positions of the docking accessorieswhen they are in their docked states. The rectangular cavity enablesdocking accessories to attach to the mobile electronic device withoutincreasing its effective carrying size. For certain designs, the initialformation of the cavity may lead to an increase in the initial carryingsize of the mobile device by taking up space that could otherwise beused for internal components of the device; still, the cavity enablesdocking accessories to attach to the device without further increasingits effective carrying size and without altering its overall contour.This method thus avoids the main shortfall with the preceding method.Nevertheless, it has several shortfalls of its own. One shortfall withthis method is that its rail system requires the corresponding accessorycavity to be open at one edge of the mobile device. This isdisadvantageous, as edge openings reduce available space formobile-device features that are ideally located on an edge of the device(for instance, volume buttons, power buttons, built-in speakers, andbuilt-in sensors) and, if the selected edge is tapered, as is common tocreate the perception that the device is only as thick as its outermostedges, the tapered boundary of the corresponding accessory cavity placesadverse constraints on the design of compatible docking accessories.Another shortfall with this method is that, by fixing the positions ofthe outer edges of attached accessories through its rail system, itpresents design obstacles for a broad range of accessories whosefunctionality improves with the ability to expand away from, and rotateat various angles to, the backsides of the mobile electronic devices towhich they are attached (for instance, speakers, electrophysiologysensors, massage paddles, hand-pump chargers, and ultrasoundtransducers). Another shortfall with this method is that accessorieswhose attachment does not increase the effective carrying size of themobile device must have a certain rectangular shape and size to matewith the rail system (and those accessories that protrude beyond theboundaries of the rectangular cavity must have a base of a certainrectangular shape and size to mate with the rail system). Differentdocking accessories have different ideal shapes and sizes, however. Forinstance, whereas certain camera lenses, speakers, and electrophysiologysensors might ideally be circular and relatively small, certain gamecontrollers, external keyboards, and solar panels might ideally beelongated and relatively large.

What is needed is a docking platform that is housed on the back face ofa mobile electronic device to enable multiple docking accessories ofvarious shapes and sizes to simultaneously and independently attach tothe mobile electronic device with the optional freedom to expand awayfrom, and rotate at various angles to, the back face of the mobiledevice, and with at most a nominal increase to the effective magnitudeof any one dimension of the mobile device. Furthermore, the dockingplatform should not require openings on the edges of the mobile device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Cavity-Recessed Accessory Embodiments

Some embodiments of the present invention, as shown herein, are directedto mobile electronic devices having docking connectors. One of theseembodiments of the device includes a docking platform formed at one ofthe largest-surface-area surfaces, i.e., a selected surface, of themobile electronic device. In the present embodiment, the selectedsurface is the back surface of the device. In a separate embodiment, theselected surface may be the front, screen supporting surface. Thedocking platform is formed with a docking connection system whichincludes one or more docking connectors generally disposed in a recesseddocking accessory cavity. The docking connection system is configured toenable the recessed docking accessory cavity to be open only at theselected surface.

In some embodiments, the recessed docking accessory cavity enables oneor more docking accessories to be attached to the docking connectorswithout significantly increasing the effective carrying size of themobile electronic device. Docking accessories are manufactured to couplewith the recessed docking accessory cavity such that, when the dockingaccessory is in at least one mode of operation, the outer surface of thedocking accessory is generally co-planar with the selected surface ofthe mobile device.

In one embodiment, the docking connection system is formed toaccommodate a broad range of docking accessories. In the same orseparate embodiment, the docking connection system is operable to form adetachable attachment to multiple independent docking accessoriessimultaneously. In the same or separate embodiment, the dockingconnection system is operable to form a detachable attachment to onedocking accessory via two or more recessed docking accessory cavities.In the same or separate embodiment, the docking connection system may beoperable to form a detachable attachment radially inward from the outeredges of a circular accessory, to allow the body of the accessory totemporarily expand away from the docking platform by way of anexpandable conical accordion mechanism, whereby the foot, or narrowestpart of the accordion, which is located radially inward from the edgesof the accordion, forms the attachment point to the docking connectionsystem, and the mouth, or widest part of the accordion, forms anattachment to the body of the accessory. The range of dockingaccessories that may cooperate with the docking platform includes, byway of example, batteries, solar panels, game controls, LED lights,hand-crank chargers, weather sensors, camera flashes, camera lenses,electrophysiology sensors, memory cards, keyboards, massage paddles,glucose monitors, body fat monitors, breathalyzers, ultrasoundtransducers, and pulse oximeters. This list of possible dockingaccessories in not meant to be limiting in any way, but is merely meantto demonstrate the wide range of possible devices and technologies thatmay functionally cooperate with the present docking platform.

In one or more embodiments, the docking platform is integrally formedwith the body of the mobile electronic device. In a related embodiment,the docking platform is integrally formed with one aspect of the mobileelectronic device, e.g., the back cover. The docking platform may beformed with an accessory cavity that has a generally oval shape. In oneembodiment, the generally oval or capsule shaped accessory cavity(herein after, “oval shaped accessory cavity”) supports two circularcavities formed at opposing ends of the oval shaped accessory cavity.Optionally, a depressed region constituting the middle portion of theoval cavity may be formed between the two circular cavities. Each of thetwo circular cavities may include a docking connector, for example, anannular docking connector disposed at its center. A docking connectormay be formed with a connection mechanism, electrical contacts forcommunication one or both of data and power, and an optional alignmentmechanism. For example, in the annular docking connector embodiment,each docking connector may be formed with (i) an annular female snap-fitfeature, for attaching docking accessories securely to the dockingplatform; (ii) 30 electrical contacts disposed evenly around the inneredge of the female snap-fit feature, for transmission of power and datato and from docking accessories; and (iii) a male index key, to ensurethat the electrical contacts on a docked accessory mate with theappropriate contacts on the docking connectors. The electrical contactsare formed of gold-plated nickel-plated copper, with copper pads, andthe remainder of the platform is formed of the same hard material as therest of the body of the mobile electronic device. Other connectionmechanisms, electrical contacts for communication one or both of dataand power, and alignment mechanism may be used without departing fromthe scope herein.

One skilled in the art will appreciate other possible embodiments, whichvary in (i) shape of platform; (ii) size of platform; (iii) number ofdocking accessory cavities; (iv) shape of docking accessory cavities;(v) size of docking accessory cavities; (vi) number of dockingconnectors; (vii) shape of docking connectors; (viii) size of dockingconnectors; (ix) mode of attachment of docking connectors to dockingaccessories; (x) configuration of electrical contacts; (xi) number ofelectrical contacts (including zero); (xii) mode of attachment ofplatform to the body of the mobile electronic device; and (xiii)materials of the platform and its components. These variations aremerely that, possible variations of the present invention, whichexemplify only some of the possible alternative forms the presentinvention may take. In addition, these variations are not meant to belimiting in any way.

An embodiment of the docking platform is formed in a selected one of twolargest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device andcomprises a primary recess formed within the selected surface. Theprimary recess forms a docking accessory cavity and may further supportone or more further recesses. The docking accessory cavity supports adocking connection system, which houses one or more docking connectors.One or both of the docking accessory cavity and the docking connectorsreleasably connect to at least two independent docking accessoriessimultaneously, the docking connection system constructed to enable thedocking accessory cavity to be open only at the selected surface.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system is operable toform a detachable attachment to a docking accessory without fixing theouter edges of the accessory.

In one or more embodiments, the docking platform may be formed with twoor more electrical contacts within the docking accessory cavity. One ormore of the electrical contacts electrically connected to electronicswithin the mobile electronic device and constructed and arranged toallow electrical communication to the docking accessory when the dockingaccessory is attached to the docking connector.

In one or more embodiments, the docking platform may be configured toenable power and data transmission between the mobile electronic deviceand the docking accessories by electrical connection to the dockingaccessories. Alternatively, the mobile electronic device may enable atleast one of power or data to be transmitted between the mobile deviceand the accessories through wireless technology.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may beconfigured to form a detachable mechanical bond with dockingaccessories. Alternative, the docking connection system may beconfigured to form a detachable magnetic bond with docking accessories.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may beconfigured to support a single docking connector operable to form adetachable attachment to two or more independent docking accessoriessimultaneously. In one example, the docking connection system mightcomprise a single magnetic element operable to form a detachablemagnetic attachment to two or more independent docking accessoriessimultaneously. Alternatively, the docking connection system may beconfigured to support more than one docking connector jointly operableto form a detachable attachment to two or more independent dockingaccessories simultaneously.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connector may be generallycircular.

In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory cavity might beelongated.

In one or more embodiments, docking accessories may operate in a firstmode of operation when connected to the docking platform and in a secondmode of operation when remote from the mobile electronic device. Themodes of operation depend on the type and functionality of the dockingaccessory.

In one or more embodiments, the selected surface in which the dockingplatform and an outwardly facing surface of the docking accessory aresubstantially flush when the docking accessory is attached to thedocking connection system.

In one or more embodiments, the selected surface in which the dockingplatform and an outwardly facing surface of the docking accessory aresubstantially flush when the docking accessory is attached to thedocking connection system and in one or a plurality of physical oroperational modes.

In one or more embodiments, a docking system according to the presentinvention includes a docking platform formed in a selected one of twolargest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device. The dockingsystem is formed with a recessed docking accessory cavity that supportsa docking connection system. The docking connection system is configuredto form a detachable attachment to at least two independent dockingaccessories simultaneously. The docking connection system manufacturedsuch that the docking accessory cavity only opens at the selectedsurface. Optionally, two or more electrical contacts are formed withinthe docking accessory cavity and the electrical contacts are inelectronic communication with electronics within the mobile electronicdevice. A docking accessory, constructed and arranged to form adetachable attachment to the docking connection system, is formed tofacilitate the transmission of one or both of data and power between themobile electronic device and the docking accessory.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may beoperable to form an attachment with a docking accessory without fixingthe positions of the outer edges of the attached accessory.

In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory may be constructed andarranged to support an electrical connection with electrical contactswithin the docking connection system when the docking accessory isattached to the docking connection system.

In one or more embodiments, the docking system is configured with anaccordion structure extendable outwardly from the selected surface andretractable inwardly toward the selected surface. In some embodiments,the accordion's distal end is supports a docking accessory body. Theaccordion structure may be manufactured with a flexible circuit, forexample, a flat flex circuit or a flexible cable, disposed within theaccordion structure to enable electrical connection between the dockingaccessory body and the mobile electronic device.

In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory body is domed-shapedand/or formed with outer edges that are eased edges or tapered edges.These shape characteristics may reduce the likelihood of catching thedocking accessory on an objects or clothing.

In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory may be formed as abattery, a solar panel, a game control, an LED light, a hand-crankcharger, a weather sensor, a camera flash, a camera lens, anelectrophysiology sensor, a memory card, a keyboard, a massage paddle, aglucose monitor, a body fat monitor, a breathalyzer, an ultrasoundtransducer, or a pulse oximeter, among other docking accessories.

In one or more embodiments, a docking accessory system for a mobileelectronic device according to the present invention is formed with adocking accessory body, an accordion structure constructed to attach toa selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobileelectronic device. The accordion structure is capable of extendingoutward from the selected surface and retracting back toward theselected surface. The accordion's distal end may be attached to thedocking accessory body, and the docking accessory includes electronicsfor transmitting at least one of data or power between the accessory andthe mobile electronic device. In certain embodiments, the dockingaccessory system may additionally include a flexible circuit locatedwithin the accordion structure and configured to electrically connectingdocking accessory body and the mobile electronic device.

In one or more embodiments, a method of providing attachment of adocking accessory to a mobile electronic device according to the presentinvention may be accomplished by the following. A recessed dockingaccessory cavity is formed within a selected one of twolargest-surface-area surfaces of the mobile electronic device. A dockingconnection system is formed within the docking accessory cavity. Theconnection system is constructed and arranged to form a detachableattachment to a docking accessory. The docking accessory cavity isformed to open only at the selected surface, and enables the attacheddocking accessory to temporarily extend away from, and articulate atvarious angles to, the selected surface of the mobile electronic device.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that configurations similar toembodiments shown and described herein may be used without departingform the scope herein.

One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to mobileelectronic devices having docking connectors. A device according to thepresent invention includes a docking platform formed at one of thelargest-surface-area surfaces of the device, generally the back face ofthe device. The docking platform is formed with a docking connectionsystem, which includes one or more docking connectors. In one example,each docking connector supports at least one element for releasablyattaching to compatible docking accessories. The docking connectionsystem may be formed to enable multiple docking accessories to attachsimultaneously and independently to the mobile electronic device withoutfixing the outer edges of the accessories. The docking platform may alsoenable docking accessories to attach to the mobile device withoutsignificantly increasing the effective carrying size of the mobiledevice by enabling the volumes of the attached docking accessories to bedistributed, for example, across a portion of or the entirety of theselected surface, and not by the formation of an accessory cavity in themobile device. The docking platform is configured to accommodate a broadrange of shapes and sizes of docking accessories. The range of dockingaccessories that might be accommodated by the docking platform includes,for example, batteries, solar panels, game controls, LED lights,hand-crank chargers, weather sensors, camera flashes, camera lenses,electrophysiology sensors, memory cards, keyboards, massage paddles,glucose monitors, infrared fat monitors, breathalyzers, ultrasoundpaddles, and pulse oximeters. This list is merely meant to show some ofthe many possible docking accessories, and is not meant to be limitingin any way.

In one embodiment, the docking platform is integrally formed with thebody of a mobile electronic device. The docking platform includes adocking connection system, formed with a docking connector. The dockingconnector supports an elongated magnetic connection element formed, forexample, beneath the outermost surface of a back face of the mobileelectronic device, for temporarily attaching docking accessoriessecurely to the docking platform. In one embodiment, the dockingconnector supports two sets of nine electrical contacts, whichfacilitate the transmission of power and data to and from dockingaccessories. The electrical contacts may be formed of gold-platednickel-plated copper, with copper pads. Each set of nine contacts may bearranged in a generally circular fashion, with each contact disposedwithin a contact cavity for protecting the contact and for providinglateral stability to an attached docking accessory. In one or morepresent embodiments, the contact cavity is generally circular in shape.Optionally, one cavity may be oval in shape and serves as a female indexkey, to ensure that the electrical contacts on a docked accessory matewith the appropriate contacts on the docking connectors. The dockingplatform may be substantially formed of a hard material. In anembodiment, the docking platform is formed of the same material as thebody of the mobile electronic device.

Other embodiments may include variations in (i) number of dockingconnectors; (ii) shape of docking connectors; (iii) size of dockingconnectors; (iv) number of electrical contacts (including zero); (v)configuration of electrical contacts; (vi) number and configuration ofelectrical contact cavities; (vii) mode of attachment of platform to thebody of the mobile electronic device; (viii) materials of the platformand its components.

In one or more embodiments, the docking platform may be formed in aselected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronicdevice and includes a docking area, a docking connection system formedtherein. The docking connection system may be configured with either oneor more docking connectors having a magnetic element for removablyattaching docking accessories. The docking connection system may beconfigured to form a detachable attachment with at least two dockingaccessories independently and simultaneously. Optionally, the dockingconnection system utilizes two or more electrical contacts within thedocking area to connect docking accessories to electronics within themobile electronic device. The electrical contacts may be constructed andarranged to facilitate an electrical connection between the dockingaccessory and the docking connector.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connector system may include anelectrical contact cavity formed to protect electrical contacts thereinand for providing lateral stability to docked accessories. Theelectrical contact cavity may be formed and configured to house oneelectrical contact, or alternatively, may be formed and configured tohouse more than one electrical contact.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connector system may include asingle docking connector configured to form a detachable attachment totwo or more docking accessories simultaneously and independently. In aseparate embodiment, the docking connector system may include more thanone docking connector jointly operable to form a detachable attachmentto two or more docking accessories simultaneously and independently. Ina separate embodiment, the docking connector system may include morethan one docking connector, for example, two docking connectors, formedto cooperatively form a detachable attachment to one dockingaccessories. In each case, the docking connector system may be supportthe transmission of one or both of power and data between the dockingconnector system and the one or more docking accessories.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may include analigning element for aligning the docking accessory.

In one or more embodiments, electrical contacts may be biased to form anelectrical connection with the docking accessory when the dockingaccessory is attached to the docking connector.

In one or more embodiments, the docking system according to the presentinvention comprises a docking platform formed in a selected one of twolargest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device (comprisinga docking area, a docking connector formed within the docking area, thedocking connector comprising a magnetic element for bonding with dockingaccessories, and optionally two (or more) electrical contacts within thedocking area, the contacts electrically connected to electronics withinthe electronic device), and a docking accessory constructed and arrangedto form a detachable attachment to the docking connector, the dockingaccessory further constructed to allow at least one of either data orpower transmission between the mobile electronic device and the dockingaccessory, the docking accessory optionally further constructed andarranged to allow electrical connection to the electrical contacts ofthe docking connector when the docking accessory is attached to thedocking connector.

In one or more embodiments, the docking system may further include anaccordion formed to extend outwardly from the docking connector andretract back toward the docking connector. The accordion's distal end isattached to the docking accessory body. A flexible circuit, such as aflat flex circuit or a flexible cable), may be configured within theaccordion and connected between the electrical contacts and the dockingaccessory body, to provide one or both of power transmission and datatransmission between the docking system and the docking accessory.

Some possible docking accessories include, but are not limited to, abattery, a solar panel, a game control, an LED light, a hand-crankcharger, a weather sensor, a camera flash, a camera lens, anelectrophysiology sensor, a memory card, a keyboard, a massage paddle, aglucose monitor, an infrared fat monitor, a breathalyzer, an ultrasoundpaddle, and a pulse oximeter. This list is not meant to be exhaustive inany way, but is only meant to demonstrate some of the many possibleaccessories that may be adapted to present docking system.

In one or more embodiments, the detachable docking accessory system fora mobile electronic device according to the present invention includes adocking accessory body, an accordion structure constructed to attachmagnetically to a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces ofthe mobile electronic device configured to extend outwardly from theselected surface and retract back toward the selected surface. Theaccordion's distal end is attached to the docking accessory body.Optionally, a flexible circuit is configured within the accordion andprovides electrical connection between the mobile electronic device andthe docking accessory body.

In one or more embodiments, the detachable docking accessory system forthe mobile electronic device according to the present invention includesa docking accessory constructed, without an accordion, to attachmagnetically to a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces ofthe mobile electronic device and optionally configured to electricallyconnect to the mobile electronic device.

One possible method of providing a docking accessory attachment for amobile electronic device according to the present invention may beaccomplished by forming a docking connector with a magnetic element fordetachably mating with a compatible docking accessory. The dockingaccessory is attached at a selected one of two largest-surface-areasurfaces, for example the back surface, of the mobile electronic device.

The method of providing a docking accessory attachment for a mobileelectronic device may further include forming two or more electricalcontacts within the selected surface, and electrically connecting thecontacts to electronics within the mobile electronic device. Additionalstep may include, forming an electrical contact cavity, forming amagnetic attachment for a docking accessory within the dockingconnector, and electrically connecting the docking accessory to theelectrical contacts. Optionally, two or more docking connectors may beformed within the docking area.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that configurations similar toembodiments shown and described herein may be used.

Flush Mounted-Accessory Embodiments

One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to mobileelectronic devices having docking connectors. A device according to thepresent invention includes a docking platform formed at one of thelargest-surface-area surfaces of the device, generally, but notnecessarily, the back face of the device. The docking platform includesa docking connection system, the connection system having one or moredocking connectors, each docking connector formed with at least onemagnetic element for attaching temporarily with compatible dockingaccessories. The docking connection system enables multiple dockingaccessories to attach simultaneously and independently to the mobileelectronic device without fixing the outer edges of the accessories. Thedocking platform enables docking accessories to attach to the mobiledevice without significantly increasing the effective carrying size ofthe mobile device by enabling the volumes of attached dockingaccessories to be distributed across a large portion of the selectedsurface. The docking platform is configured to accommodate a broad rangeof shapes and sizes of docking accessories. The range of dockingaccessories that might be accommodated by the docking platform includes,for example, batteries, solar panels, game controls, LED lights,hand-crank chargers, weather sensors, camera flashes, camera lenses,electrophysiology sensors, memory cards, keyboards, massage paddles,glucose monitors, infrared fat monitors, breathalyzers, ultrasoundpaddles, and pulse oximeters.

In one embodiment, the docking platform is integrally formed with thebody of the mobile electronic device. The platform includes a dockingconnection system, the connection system having a docking connectorformed with an elongated magnetic element formed beneath the outermostsurface of the back face of the mobile electronic device, fortemporarily attaching docking accessories securely to the dockingplatform, and two sets of nine electrical contacts, for transmission ofpower and data to and from docking accessories. The electrical contactsare formed of gold-plated nickel-plated copper, with copper pads. Eachset of nine contacts is arranged in a generally circular fashion, witheach contact disposed within a contact cavity for protecting the contactand for providing lateral stability to attached docking accessories. Thecontact cavities are generally circular in shape, except for one that isoval and serves also as a female index key, to ensure that theelectrical contacts on a docked accessory mate with the appropriatecontacts on the docking connectors. The remainder of the platform isformed of the same hard material as the rest of the body of the mobileelectronic device.

Other embodiments include variations in (i) number of dockingconnectors; (ii) shape of docking connectors; (iii) size of dockingconnectors; (iv) number of electrical contacts (including zero); (v)configuration of electrical contacts; (vi) number and configuration ofelectrical contact cavities; (vii) mode of attachment of platform to thebody of the mobile electronic device; (viii) materials of the platformand its components.

One or more embodiments of the docking platform may be formed in aselected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronicdevice and include a docking area, a docking connection system formedwithin the docking area, the docking connection system having either oneconnector or more than one connector. Each docking connector may beformed with a magnetic element for temporarily bonding/securing one ormore docking accessories. The docking connection system may be operableto form a detachable attachment to at least two docking accessoriesindependently and simultaneously. Optionally, two or more electricalcontacts are formed within the docking area, the contacts electricallyconnect to electronics within the electronic device and constructed andarranged to allow electrical connection to the docking accessory whenthe docking accessory is attached to the docking connector.

One or more embodiments of the docking connection system may include anelectrical contact cavity for protecting an electrical contact and forproviding lateral stability to docked accessories. The electricalcontact cavity may be formed and configured to house one electricalcontact, or it may be formed and configured to house more than oneelectrical contact.

One or more embodiments of the docking connection system may include asingle docking connector operable to form a detachable attachment to twoor more docking accessories simultaneously and independently.Optionally, the docking connection system may include more than onedocking connector jointly operable to form a detachable attachment totwo or more docking accessories simultaneously and independently.

One or more embodiments of the docking connection system may include analigning element for aligning the docking accessory.

Electrical contacts may be biased to form an electrical connection withthe docking accessory when the docking accessory is attached to thedocking connector.

One or more embodiments of the docking system according to the presentinvention include a docking platform formed in a selected one of twolargest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device having adocking area and a docking connector formed within the docking area. Thedocking connector may include a magnetic element for securing dockingaccessories. Optionally two or more electrical contacts are providedwithin the docking area. The contacts electrically connect toelectronics within the electronic device. A docking accessory may beconstructed and arranged to form a detachable attachment to the dockingconnector and further constructed to allow at least one or both of dataand power transmission between the mobile electronic device and thedocking accessory. The docking accessory may be optionally configured toprovide electrical connection to the electrical contacts of the dockingconnector when the docking accessory is attached to the dockingconnector.

The docking system may further include an accordion capable of extendingoutwardly from the docking connector and retracting back toward thedocking connector. The accordion's distal end attached to the dockingaccessory body. A flexible circuit, such as a flat flex circuit or aflexible cable, may be disposed within the accordion and connectedbetween the electrical contacts and the docking accessory body.

The docking accessory may include a battery, solar panel, game control,LED light, hand-crank charger, weather sensor, camera flash, cameralens, electrophysiology sensor, memory card, keyboard, massage paddle,glucose monitor, infrared fat monitor, breathalyzer, ultrasound paddle,or pulse oximeter, among other electronic accessories.

One or more embodiments of a detachable docking accessory system for amobile electronic device according to the present invention includes adocking accessory body, an accordion constructed to attach magneticallyto a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobileelectronic device and capable of extending outwardly from the selectedsurface and retracting back toward the selected surface. The accordion'sdistal end attached to the docking accessory body, and optionally aflexible circuit disposed within the accordion and configured toelectrically connect to the mobile electronic device and the dockingaccessory body. A second detachable docking accessory system for themobile electronic device according to the present invention includes adocking accessory constructed, without an accordion, to attachmagnetically to a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces ofthe mobile electronic device and optionally configured to electricallyconnect to the mobile electronic device.

A process of providing attachment of a docking accessory to a mobileelectronic device according to the present invention includes the stepsforming a docking connector comprising a magnetic element, operable toform a detachable bond with a compatible docking accessory, within aselected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobileelectronic device. The process may further include forming two or moreelectrical contacts within the selected surface, and electricallyconnecting the contacts to electronics within the electronic device,forming an electrical contact cavity, magnetically attaching a dockingaccessory to the docking connector, electrically connecting the dockingaccessory to the electrical contacts. It will be understood that theprocess may form two or more docking connectors within the docking area.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that configurations similar toembodiments shown and described herein may be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A (Prior Art) shows a prior art cell phone device with a typicalend connector and a cable-connected accessory.

FIG. 1B (Prior Art) shows a prior art device with an end connector and arigid partial-case accessory.

FIG. 1C (Prior Art) shows a prior art device with an end connector and arigid full-case accessory.

FIG. 1D (Prior Art) shows a prior art device and associated dockingsleeve, which are specially adapted to mate with each other.

FIG. 1E (Prior Art) shows a prior art device and a rectangular dummyaccessory

FIG. 2A shows an isometric back view of a mobile electronic device witha docking platform with electrical contacts of the docking connectorsdisposed evenly around the inner edge of the female snap-fit feature ofthe docking connectors, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B shows a back view of the mobile electronic device with thedocking platform of FIG. 2A, with a detailed view of one of the dockingconnectors, in an embodiment.

FIG. 2C shows a side cutaway view of the mobile electronic device withthe docking platform of FIG. 2A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 3A shows an isometric view of a mobile electronic device with adocking platform with electrical contacts disposed in sockets at thebase of the docking connectors, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B shows a detailed view of the docking connector of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with thedocking platform of FIG. 2A with the addition of two unattached basicgeneric docking accessories, in an embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the mobile electronic device with dockingplatform of FIG. 4A with the two unattached basic generic dockingaccessories.

FIG. 4C shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withdocking platform of FIG. 4A with the two basic generic dockingaccessories attached to the docking connectors of the docking platform.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed isometric bottom view of a basic generic dockingaccessory, in an embodiment.

FIG. 6A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withdocking platform of FIG. 2A and two unattached expandable genericdocking accessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment.

FIG. 6B shows an exploded isometric view of the mobile electronic devicewith docking platform of FIG. 6A and two unattached expandable genericdocking accessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment.

FIG. 6C shows an exploded side view of the mobile electronic device withdocking platform of FIG. 6A and two unattached expandable genericdocking accessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment.

FIG. 6D shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withdocking platform of FIG. 6A and two attached expandable generic dockingaccessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment.

FIG. 6E is an exploded side cutaway view of the mobile electronic devicewith a docking platform of FIG. 6A with unattached expandable genericdocking accessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment.

FIG. 6F shows a side cutaway view of the mobile electronic device with adocking platform of FIG. 6A with attached expandable generic dockingaccessories in their expanded states, in an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with adocking platform of FIG. 6A with attached generic docking accessoriesthat are either basic accessories or expandable accessories in theircollapsed states, in an embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the mobile electronic device with a dockingplatform of FIG. 6A with attached expandable generic docking accessoriesin one of their partially collapsed states, wherein the bodies of thedocking accessories are rotated at oblique angles to the back surface ofthe mobile device, in an embodiment.

FIG. 9A shows an isometric bottom view of an expandable generic dockingaccessory in its fully expanded state, in an embodiment.

FIG. 9B shows an isometric top view of an expandable generic dockingaccessory accordion of FIG. 9A in its fully expanded state, in anembodiment.

FIG. 9C shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of the expandablegeneric docking accessory of FIG. 9A in its fully expanded state, with adetailed view of the expandable generic docking accessory body femaleflex-circuit connector, in an embodiment.

FIG. 9D shows an exploded, isometric, top view of the expandable genericdocking accessory of FIG. 9A in its fully expanded state, with adetailed view of the expandable generic docking accessory accordion flexcircuit, in an embodiment.

FIG. 9E shows an isometric view of the expandable generic dockingaccessory body female connector of FIG. 9C, in an embodiment.

FIG. 10A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withtwo docked speaker accessories, according to one embodiment of theinvention, in an embodiment.

FIG. 10B is an isometric top view of one of the speaker accessories ofFIG. 10A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 10C shows an exploded, isometric, top view of the speaker accessoryof FIG. 10A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 10D shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of the speakeraccessory of FIG. 10A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 11A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with adocked solar charging accessory, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 11B shows an isometric top view of the solar charging accessory ofFIG. 11A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 11C shows an isometric bottom view of the solar charging accessoryof FIG. 11A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 12A shows an isometric back view of the mobile electronic devicewith a docked supplemental battery accessory, according to oneembodiment of the invention, in an embodiment.

FIG. 12B shows a top view of the supplemental battery accessory of FIG.12A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 12C shows a bottom view of the supplemental battery accessory ofFIG. 12A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 13A shows an isometric back view of the mobile electronic devicewith two docked electrophysiology accessories in one of their partiallycollapsed states, according to one embodiment of the invention, in anembodiment.

FIG. 13B shows an isometric top view of the electrophysiology sensoraccessory of FIG. 13A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 13C shows an isometric exploded side view of the electrophysiologysensor accessory of FIG. 13A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 14A shows an isometric top view of a game controller accessory inits closed state, according to one embodiment of the invention, in anembodiment.

FIG. 14B shows a bottom view of the game controller accessory of FIG.14A.

FIG. 14C shows a back view of the mobile electronic device with the gamecontroller accessory of FIG. 14A docked in a partially open state, in anembodiment.

FIG. 14D shows a front view of the mobile electronic device with thegame controller accessory of FIG. 14A docked in its open state, in anembodiment.

FIG. 15A shows an isometric back view of a docking system comprising ageneric docking accessory and a mobile electronic device with a genericdocking platform formed on its back face, in an embodiment.

FIG. 15B shows an isometric back view of the mobile electronic device ofFIG. 15A with isometric back views of six possible docking platform, inembodiments.

FIG. 16 shows an isometric drawing showing an embodiment of the presentinvention implemented with a tablet device, in an embodiment.

FIG. 17 shows a back view of a mobile electronic device with a flushdocking platform, according to at least one embodiment

FIG. 18A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withdocking platform of FIG. 17, in an embodiment.

FIG. 18B shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withdocking platform of FIG. 17 with two basic generic docking accessoriesof FIG. 18A attached to the docking connectors of the docking platform.

FIG. 18C shows an isometric bottom view of one of the basic genericdocking accessories of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withdocking platform of FIG. 17 with one, oval, basic generic dockingaccessory.

FIG. 19B is an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withdocking platform of FIG. 17 with the oval generic docking accessory ofFIG. 19A attached to the docking connectors of the docking platform.

FIG. 19C shows an isometric bottom view of the oval generic dockingaccessory of FIG. 19A.

FIG. 20A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withdocking platform of FIG. 17 with two unattached expandable genericdocking accessories in an expanded state.

FIG. 20B shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withdocking platform of FIG. 17 with the two expandable generic dockingaccessories from FIG. 20A attached to the docking connectors of thedocking platform, in an expanded state.

FIG. 20C shows an isometric top view of one of the expandable genericdocking accessory accordions of FIG. 20A, with a detailed view of theaccordion flex circuit male connector, in an embodiment.

FIG. 20D shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of one of theexpandable generic docking accessories of 20A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 20E shows a side view of the mobile electronic device with adocking platform of FIG. 2 with attached expandable docking accessoriesin one partially collapsed state, in an embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with adocking platform of FIG. 17 with attached generic docking accessoriesthat represent either basic accessories or expandable accessories intheir collapsed states.

FIG. 22 shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with adocking platform of FIG. 17 with a supplemental lens accessory and asupplemental flash accessory, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 23 shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with adocking platform of FIG. 17 with an LED light accessory and athermometer-hygrometer-barometer accessory, according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 24 shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with adocking platform of FIG. 17 with a supplemental battery accessory,according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device with asolar charger accessory attached to the docking connectors of thedocking platform, in an embodiment.

FIG. 26A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withtwo docked speaker accessories, according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 26B shows an isometric top view of the speaker accessory of FIG.26A.

FIG. 26C shows an exploded, isometric, top view of the speaker accessoryof FIG. 26A.

FIG. 26D shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of the speakeraccessory of FIG. 26A.

FIG. 26E shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withthe two docked speaker accessories of FIG. 26A in their collapsed modes.

FIG. 27A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device withtwo docked electrophysiology-sensor accessories, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27B shows an isometric top view of the electrophysiology-sensoraccessory of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 27C shows an exploded, isometric, side view of theelectrophysiology-sensor accessory of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 28A shows an isometric top view of a game controller accessory inits closed state, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28B shows a top view of the game controller accessory of FIG. 28Ain a partially open state.

FIG. 28C shows a front view of the mobile electronic device with thegame controller accessory of FIG. 28A docked in its open state.

FIG. 28D shows an isometric bottom view of the game controller accessoryof FIG. 28A in its open state.

FIG. 28E shows an isometric top view of the game controller accessory ofFIG. 28A in its closed state.

FIG. 29 shows an isometric back view of the mobile electronic devicewith a generic docking platform on its back face with isometric views offive embodiments of the docking platform radiating outward from themobile device.

FIG. 30A shows an isometric bottom view of a square-shaped genericdocking accessory configured to dock with one of the docking connectorsof FIG. 29, in an embodiment.

FIG. 30B shows an isometric bottom view of a rectangular-shaped genericdocking accessory configured to dock with one of the docking connectorsof FIG. 29 in an embodiment.

FIGS. 31A-31B show a physiological display functionality, in anembodiment.

FIG. 32 shows a camera display functionality, in an embodiment.

FIG. 33 shows an audio display functionality, in an embodiment.

FIG. 34 shows a battery display functionality, in an embodiment.

FIG. 35 shows a flow chart detailing functionality associated withdocking accessories to the docking system/docking platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One advantage of the present invention is that it allows multipledocking accessories to attach simultaneously and independently to themobile electronic device. Some docking accessories, such as supplementalcamera lenses and flashes, stereo speakers, and electrophysiologysensors, naturally work together in pairs. As such the present inventionfulfills the need for a method that enables multiple docking accessoriesto attach simultaneously to the mobile electronic device. Furthermore,different circumstances might call for one and the same accessory to bepaired with different partner accessories. For instance, a daytimecircumstance might call for a supplemental camera lens accessory to becombined with a supplemental battery accessory, whereas a nighttimecircumstance might call for the same camera lens to be combined insteadwith a supplemental flash accessory. The present invention fulfills theneed for a method that enables multiple docking accessories to attachboth simultaneously and independently to the mobile electronic device.

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate one embodiment of docking connectors 4. FIGS. 3Aand 3B illustrate one possible alternative embodiment of dockingconnectors 5. In both embodiments a plurality of electrical contacts 19are arranged in a circular pattern about the docking connectors. It willbe appreciated that other patterns, shapes, and numbers of connectorsmay be used without departing from the scope herein. By way of example,pins of a docking connector are arranged as shown in Table 1. The samecontacts could be arranged in various circular patterns to form, forexample, the connector patterns as shown in FIGS. 2A-C and FIG. 3A-B.Depending on the specific docking connector configuration of the mobileelectronic device and what accessory is to be used, various pins areconnected and active.

TABLE 1 Pin Name Description 1 GND Ground 2 V + Out Power Out (todocking accessory) 3 V + In Power In (from docking accessory) 4 D+ DataPositive 5 D− Data Negative 6 Detection/Identification/ (optional)Configuration 7 Clock (optional) 8 and Expansion (optional) greater

FIG. 2A shows an isometric back view of a mobile electronic device 1with a docking platform 2, in an embodiment. Docking platform 2 isformed with a docking connection system 49 having two docking connectors4 situated in an accessory cavity 3. FIG. 2B shows a back view of mobileelectronic device 1 with docking platform 2 and a detailed view of oneof docking connectors 4. The embodiment of docking connector 4 is shownwith a female snap-fit 24, male index key 26, and docking connectorelectrical contacts 19. FIG. 2C shows a side cutaway view of device 1with docking platform 2. In this embodiment, circular arrays of dockingconnector electrical contacts 19 are disposed evenly around the inneredge of female snap-fits 24 of docking connectors 4.

FIG. 3A shows an isometric view of a mobile electronic device 1 with adocking platform 2 according to a second embodiment. Mobile electronicdevice 1 is similar to mobile electronic device 1 of FIG. 2A, with theexception that docking connectors 5 replace docking connectors 4. InFIG. 3A, electrical contacts 19 are configured with docking connectors 5are disposed in concentric circles to form sockets at the base of thedocking connectors. FIG. 3B shows a detailed view of one of dockingconnectors 5 of FIG. 3A. This is an alternative to the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, wherein the electrical contacts 19 of docking connectors 4 ofFIG. 2A are disposed evenly around the inner edge of female snap-fitfeature 24 of the docking connectors. In the present embodiment,connectors 5 are shown to include optional male index keys 26.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 of FIG. 2Awith two unattached basic generic docking accessories 6. FIG. 4Billustratively represents a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 4A,showing basic generic docking accessories 6, each with a dockingaccessory male snap-fit 7. FIG. 4C is an isometric view of mobileelectronic device 1 of FIG. 4A, with docking accessories 6 attached todocking connectors 4 of docking platform 2. It should be understood thatin this embodiment docking accessory cavity 3 provides for the backsurface of accessories 6 to be substantially flat and even (i.e.,substantially co-planar) with the back surface of device 1 whenaccessories 6 are secured as shown in FIG. 4C. This beneficialarrangement of accessories 6 often does not increase the thickness ofdevice 1 when accessories are attached thereto and reduces the chance ofcatching an exposed accessory on clothing or the like. In an embodimentwhere an accessory, similar to accessory 6, is too thick to sit flushwith the back surface of device 1, cavity 3 minimizes the combinedthickness of mobile electronic device 1 and the accessory, and alsoreduces interference caused by the thicker accessories' exposed portionscatching on the other objects, surfaces, edges, etc.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed isometric bottom view of basic generic dockingaccessory 6. Docking accessory 6 of FIG. 5 is configured for removablyattaching to docking connector 4, FIG. 2A. A female index key 22cooperates with male snap-fit connector 7 to align and mate accessory 6with connector 4. When mated, accessory connector electrical contacts 23make contact with docking connector electrical contacts 19 to provideone or both of the transmission or power and data.

FIGS. 6A-F illustrate an extendable docking accessory assembly 8 formedof docking accessory body 9 attached to a docking accessory accordion10. Expandable docking accessory assembly 8 may extend outwardly fromthe back of device 1 by expanding accessory accordion 10. Accessoryassembly 8 is very similar to the sockets (comprising in general anaccordion and an end cap) as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 8,560,031(incorporated herein by reference).

FIG. 6A shows an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 of FIG. 2Awith two unattached docking accessory assemblies 8 in their expandedstates. FIG. 6B shows an exploded isometric view of the arrangement ofFIG. 6A, showing docking accessory bodies 9 separated from accordions10. Flex circuits 16 are disposed within accordions 10.

FIG. 6C shows an exploded side view the arrangement of FIG. 6B. FIG. 6Dshows an isometric view of the arrangement of FIG. 6A, where accessoryassemblies 8 are attached to docking connectors 4.

FIG. 6E shows an exploded side cutaway view of the arrangement of 6C. Afemale connector 21 can be seen configured with accessory 9. Accordions10 are formed with flex circuits 16, which do not inhibit accordions 10when accordions 10 are collapsed flat against the back surface of device1, within cavity 3. Female index key 17 aligns with male index key 26 toensure proper connection. FIG. 6F is a side cutaway view of thearrangement of FIG. 6E with docking accessory assemblies 8 attached tomobile electronic device 1. Male snap-fit connector 15 attaches todocking connector 4 female snap-fit 24. Bi-stable accordion flipperwalls 14 are in their upward states.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with adocking platform of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, with attached generic dockingaccessories that are either basic accessories 6, expandable dockingaccessory assemblies 8 in their collapsed states, or some otheraccessory.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of mobile electronic device 1 with expandabledocking accessory assemblies 8 in one of its many partially collapsedstates. This configuration is useful for orienting the faces of certaindocking accessories, for example electrophysiology devices such as ECGaccessories, for optimal functioning.

FIG. 9A shows one embodiment of an isometric bottom view of anextendable docking accessory assembly 8 in its fully expanded state.Male electrical contacts 18 are configured to engage with femaleelectrical contacts 19 of docking connector 4 as shown in FIG. 2A.Female index key 17 aligns with male index key 26 to facilitate properorientation when attaching extendable docking accessory assembly 8 todocking platform 2. When accessory assembly 8 moves from an expandedstate to a collapsed state, flexural hinges 13 flex to facilitatevertical walls 12 of accessory 8 to move into a stable concentricconfiguration as accordion 10's flipper walls 14 move from a stableupward state, with the outer edges above their inner edges, to a stabledownward state, whereby the outer edges are below the inner edges.

FIG. 9B shows an isometric top view of accordion 10 of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9Cshows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of accessory 8 and accordion10 with an expanded view of accessory connector 21. FIG. 9D shows a topview of the same arrangement with an expanded view of flex circuit 16.Accordion flex circuit 16 is disposed within accordion 10, and provideselectrical connection between device 1, via contacts 19 shown in FIG.2B, and male electrical contact 18 shown in FIG. 9A, and accessory body9, via connector 21. FIG. 9E shows an isometric view of accessoryconnector 21. Contacts 20 are inserted into port 25 to connect accessorybody 9. As an option, accessory body 9 might be detachable fromaccordion 10.

FIGS. 10A-D show one example of a set of speaker accessories 27 used inconjunction with accordions 10. FIG. 10A is an isometric view of mobileelectronic device 1 with two docked speaker accessories 27, in oneexpanded mode for resting one edge of device 1 and one edge each ofspeaker accessory bodies 28 on a surface, such as a table top. Thisextension configuration is useful for holding the device in anear-vertical position without blocking speaker accessories 27.

FIG. 10B shows an isometric top view of speaker accessory 27, comprisingspeaker accessory body 28 and accordion 10. FIG. 10C shows an isometricside exploded view of the speaker accessory 27 of FIG. 10B. Accordionflex circuit 16 can be seen within accordion 10, detached from speakeraccessory body 28. FIG. 10D is an exploded, isometric, bottom view ofspeaker accessory 27. Speaker 29, which may be for example apiezoelectric speaker, connects to accessory connector 21. Accessoryconnector 21 connects to flex circuit 16 via port 25 as shown in FIG. 9.By way of example, given the device pin-out shown in Table 1, speaker 29may use pins 1, 2, 4, and 5, which are Ground, Power Out, Data Positive,and Data Negative, respectively. With this pin-out arrangement, encodeddata may be used for accessory detection. In another example, speaker 29may use pins 1, 2, 6, 8, and 9, which are Ground, Power Out, Detection,left channel analog audio, and right channel analog audio, respectively.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other pin-outarrangements are possible, including arrangements for a self-poweredspeaker accessory, without departing from the scope herein.

In one embodiment, speaker accessory speaker 29 is a Murata VSLBF seriesspeaker; size 0.5 mm thick, 13 mm wide, 19 mm long; frequency range 200Hz to 20 kHz; sound pressure level 93.5 dB+/−3.0 dB; resonant frequency1150 Hz+/−20%; capacitance 1.5 μF+/−30%; maximal sinusoidal voltage 5.0Vrms; operating temperature range −20 to 70° C.

FIGS. 11A-C show one embodiment of a solar charging accessory 30. FIG.11A shows an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with dockedsolar charging accessory 30. FIG. 11B shows an isometric top view ofsolar charging accessory 30. FIG. 11C shows a bottom view of solarcharging accessory 30. In this embodiment, docking connects are dockingconnectors 4 as shown in FIG. 2. As an alternative, docking connectorsmay be docking connectors 5 as shown in FIG. 3 or other arrangementsdescribed or not described herein. Taking the pin-out arrangement ofTable 1 as an example, charging accessory 30 might connect to pins 1, 3,and 6, comprising Ground, Power In, and Detection/Configuration,respectively.

In one embodiment, solar charger accessory 30 is a custommonocrystalline silicon solar cell encapsulated in epoxy resin; 5.5V; 60mA; maximum power (Pm) 0.33 W.

FIGS. 12A-C show one embodiment of a supplemental battery accessory 31.FIG. 12A shows an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 withdocked supplemental battery accessory 31. FIG. 12B shows a top view ofsupplemental battery accessory 31. FIG. 12C shows a bottom view ofsupplemental battery accessory 31. Similar to the solar chargingaccessory 30 of FIG. 11A-C, battery accessory 31 may use dockingconnectors 4, docking connectors 5 or some other docking connectordescribed or not described herein. Again taking the pin-out arrangementof Table 1 as an example, supplemental battery accessory 31 mightconnect to pins 1, 3, and 6, comprising Ground, Power In, andDetection/Configuration, respectively.

As one embodiment, supplemental battery accessory 31 is a custom polymerLi-lon, 3.7V, 800 mAh, 2.96 wh, UN approved.

FIGS. 13A-C shows one embodiment of a set of electrophysiology sensoraccessories used in conjunction with accordions 10. In a separateembodiment, electrophysiology sensor accessories may be used with adocking accessory similar to docking accessory 6 of FIGS. 4-5. FIG. 13Ais an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with two dockedelectrophysiology sensor accessories 33, in one expanded mode. Thisextension configuration is useful, for example, for maintaining goodsensor contact when the sensors are held against a person's skin, suchas the varying curvatures of the chest, for gatheringelectrophysiological data.

FIG. 13B shows an isometric top view of electrophysiology sensoraccessory 33 with fully expanded accordion 10.

FIG. 13C shows an exploded, isometric, side view of electrophysiologysensor accessory 33 with fully expanded accordion 10. Accordion flexcircuit 16 can be seen within accordion 10, detached fromelectrophysiology sensor accessory body 34. Electrophysiology sensorelectrode 35 connects to accessory connector 21 (shown in FIG. 9C),which will connect to flex circuit 16 via port 25 as shown in FIG. 9. Inone embodiment which uses the device pin-out shown in Table 1,electrophysiology sensor 33 might use pins 1, 2, 4, and 5, comprisingGround, Power Out, Data Positive, and Data Negative, respectively, inconjunction with accessory-mounted isolation or other safety components.Under this pin-out arrangement, encoded data may be used for accessoryidentification. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many otherpin-out arrangements are possible, including arrangements for aself-powered electrophysiology sensor accessory.

In one embodiment, electrophysiology sensor accessory 33 is anelectrocardiograph (ECG) sensor consisting of a silver chlorideelectrode, analog front end, digital-to-analog converter,microprocessor, and USB controller.

FIGS. 14A-D show one embodiment of a game controller accessory 36. FIG.14A shows an isometric top view of game controller accessory 36 in itsclosed state. FIG. 14B shows a bottom view of game controller accessory36 of FIG. 14A. Similar to the solar charging accessory 30 of FIG.11A-C, game controller accessory 36 may use docking connectors 4,docking connectors 5, or some other docking connector described or notdescribed herein.

FIG. 14C shows a back view of mobile electronic device 1 with dockedgame controller accessory 36 in one of its partially open states. Gamecontroller base tracks 40 provide functionality for game controlleraccessory sliding control panel 37 to slide into open states, as shownin FIG. 14C-D.

FIG. 14D shows a front view of mobile electronic device 1 with dockedgame controller accessory 36 in its fully open state. This state isconvenient for holding the mobile electronic device 1 while operatingthe game controller accessory buttons 39. This also removes controlsfrom the provided screen, such that full screen may be used for visualinteraction with a game without losing valuable screen space tocontrols. In one embodiment, given the device pin-out shown in Table 1,game controller accessory 36 might use pins 1, 2, 4, and 5, comprisingGround, Power Out, Data Positive, and Data Negative, respectively. Underthis pin-out arrangement, encoded data may be used for accessoryidentification. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many otherpin-out arrangements are possible.

As an example, game controller accessory 36 is a thumb-operated keypadconsisting of a mechanical-slide subassembly, user interface switches, amicrocontroller, and a USB controller.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments disclosed above describemultiple levels of cooperation between docking connectors, for exampledocking connectors 4 and 5, and docking accessories. Some dockingaccessories are configured operate independently, whiles otheraccessories cooperate, for example a camera accessory and a camera flashaccessory, left and right stereo speakers accessories 27, andelectrophysiology sensor 33, while still others are formed as a singleaccessory that utilizes two or more docking connectors, for examplesolar charging accessory 30, battery accessory 31, and game controller36. Functionality for recognizing, facilitating, and otherwise providingthese multiple levels of cooperation between docking accessories anddocking connectors is also provided herein.

FIG. 15A shows an isometric view of a generic docking system, whichincludes a generic docking accessory 61 and mobile electronic device 71,similar to mobile electronic device 1. Device 71 is formed with dockingplatform having a generic docking accessory cavity 41 and dockingconnection system 49. Docking accessory 61 may be, for example, abattery, breathalyzer, massage paddle, LED light, camera flash,radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, RFID reader, hand crankcharger, hand pump charger, game controller, laser level, laser waterpurifier, scent generator, self-defense taser, lie detector device,credit card reader, robotic foot, a display such as a low-energydisplay, thermometer, power adaptor, halitosis detector, hygrometer,digital scale, anemometer, water analysis tool, altimeter, barometer,wireless headset, mechanical keyboard, optical projection keyboard,proximity sensor, projector, remote control, memory card, headphonesconnector, accelerometer, pedometer, 3D motion tracking device, securityperimeter, electrophysiology sensor, biofeedback device, diagnosticultrasound device, therapeutic ultrasound, defibrillator, blood glucosemonitor, pulse oximeter, finger print ID, laptop data lock, speaker,solar panel, walkie talkie, laser hair removal device, laser hairstimulator, or UV disinfector. The docking platform of device 71 isformed such that it may accept more than one docking accessory with thegeneric docking accessory cavity 41, as can be seen by viewing bothFIGS. 15A and 15B.

FIG. 15B shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 71 ofFIG. 15A with isometric views of at least six embodiments of dockingplatform 2 radiating outward from device 71. It will be appreciated thatviews shown in FIGS. 15A-B may be isometric front view or isometric backviews. Clockwise from the upper left corner of FIG. 15B, an embodiment300 of docking platform 2 is the platform of FIG. 2, with Detail A viewof docking connector 4.

An embodiment 302 of docking platform 2, center top of FIG. 15B, is theplatform of FIG. 3, with Detail B view of docking connector 5.

An embodiment 304 of docking platform 2, top right of FIG. 15B, includesoval docking accessory cavity 51 and two docking connectors 52, eachformed at one of the centers of the two circular ends of oval accessorycavity 51. Detail C is a detailed view of docking connector 52,connector 52 comprising annular connector cavity 53, cavity 53 furthercomprising a set of ten docking connector electrical contacts 19, thisset of ten contacts comprising two duplicate sets of five electricalcontacts 19, this pair of duplicate sets of contacts, together with twofemale aligning elements 54, enable attached docking accessories to beoriented in either of two positions separated by 180 degrees ofrotation, connector 52 further comprising annular magnetic attachmentsystem 55, attachment system 55 comprising a disc-shaped magneticelement formed beneath the surface of connector 52 to enable compatibledocking accessories to form detachable magnetic attachments to connector52.

An embodiment 306 of docking platform 2, bottom right of FIG. 15B,includes oval docking accessory cavity 51 and docking connector 58,connector 58 comprising magnetic attachment system 59, magnetic system59 comprising a single elongated magnetic element formed beneath thebottom face of accessory cavity 51 to enable docking connector 58 toform a detachable attachment to multiple independent dockingaccessories, the docking accessories operable to wirelessly transmitand/or receive at least one of data or power with mobile device 1. Notethat docking connector 58 includes no electrical contacts. Also, it willbe understood that although magnetic attachment system 59 is shown as asingle elongated attached system, more than one magnetic attachmentsystem may be used and different shaped attachment systems may be usedwithout departing from the scope herein.

An embodiment 308 of docking platform 2, bottom center of FIG. 15B,includes hourglass docking accessory cavity 60 and two dockingconnectors 56, connectors 56 each comprising fixed tab 62, spring tab57, and docking connector electrical contacts 19. Detail D is a detailedview of spring tab 57 and five electrical contacts 19. Docking connector56 is operable to form a detachable attachment to compatible dockingaccessories that are wedged between fixed tab 62 and spring tab 57. Torelease the docking accessories, spring tab 57 slides in the directionopposite the docking accessory.

An embodiment 310 of docking platform 2, bottom left of FIG. 15B,includes oval docking accessory cavity 51 and docking connector 42.Detail E is a detailed view of docking connector 42, connector 42comprising eight docking connector cavities 43, nine electrical contacts19, one female aligning element 44, docking connector magneticattachment system 50, attachment system 50 comprising a single annularmagnetic element formed beneath the surface of accessory cavity 51, forforming detachable attachments with compatible docking accessories.

FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of the presentinvention implemented with a tablet device 32. In this embodiment,tablet device 32 is shown with one attached generic expanding dockingaccessory, similar to attached generic expanding docking accessory 8. Inone embodiment, the expanding docking accessory body measures roughlyfive inches in diameter, with an expanding docking accessory accordionthat expands roughly three inches away from the backside of tabletdevice 32. Tablet device 32 may be configured with any and all abovedescribed docking platforms, docking connectors, docking accessories,etc. without departing from the scope herein. The size, shape, andnumber of docking connectors, docking platforms, docking cavities,docking accessories, etc. may vary without departing form the scopeherein.

Flush Mounted-Accessory Embodiments

FIG. 17 shows a back view of a mobile electronic device 101 with adocking platform 102 according to an embodiment. Illustrativelyrepresented in a detailed view is a docking connection system 103 formedof docking connector 109, docking connector contact cavity 120, dockingconnector electrical contacts 121, female alignment key 12, and dockingconnector disc-shaped magnetic elements 119. Docking platform 102 issimilar to docking platform 2, with the exception that docking platform102 is configured for flush mounting an accessory to the back surface ofthe docking platform 102 rather than docking an accessory within arecessed cavity, like recessed accessory cavity 3 of docking platform 2.

FIG. 18A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101with the flush mounting accessory docking platform 102 of FIG. 17. FIG.18A shows two unattached, round, generic docking accessories 115.

FIG. 18B shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101with docking platform 102 of FIG. 17 with two basic generic dockingaccessories 115 attached to the docking connectors of the dockingplatform 102.

FIG. 18C shows an isometric bottom view of one of generic dockingaccessories 115 of FIG. 18A, 18B. Generic docking accessory 115 isconfigured with a male alignment element 123, contact insulators 124, adisc-shaped magnetic element 125, and a plurality of electrical contacts126. Docking accessory 115 is similar to docking accessory 6, with theexception that docking accessory 6 is configured for flush mounting tothe back surface of the docking platform 102 rather than docking withina recessed cavity, like recessed accessory cavity 3 of docking platform2.

FIG. 19A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101configured with docking platform 102 of FIG. 17. FIG. 19A also showsone, oval, generic docking accessory 116 aligned with, but not connectedto, docking platform 102. Accessory 116 is one alternate embodiment of adocking accessory compared to the two round docking accessories of FIG.18A. Docking accessory 116 may configured to physically, magnetically,electrically, and/or electronically couple with two docking connectors109. It will be appreciated that other docking accessories may be formedto couple with more than two docking connectors.

FIG. 19B shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101with docking platform 102 of FIG. 17. FIG. 19B shows the oval genericdocking accessory 116 coupled to the docking connectors 109 of thedocking platform 102.

FIG. 19C shows an isometric bottom view of the oval generic dockingaccessory 116 of FIG. 19A. Docking accessory 116 is formed with twodocking accessory connectors 180. Each connector supports a malealigning element 165, contact insulator 166, electrical contacts 167,and disc-shaped element 125.

FIG. 20A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101with docking platform 102 of FIG. 17 with two unattached expandablegeneric docking accessories 127 in an expanded state.

FIG. 20B shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101with docking platform 102 of FIG. 17 with expandable generic dockingaccessories 127 from FIG. 20A attached to the docking connectors 109 ofdocking platform 102, in an expanded state.

FIG. 20C shows an isometric top view of one of the expandable genericdocking accessory accordions 129 of FIG. 20A, with a detailed view ofthe accordion flex circuit 134's male connector 135.

FIG. 20D shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of one of theexpandable generic docking accessories 127 of FIG. 20A, with a detailedview of an expandable generic docking accessory body female connector139. The expandable generic docking accessory body female connector 139,which is similar to the expandable generic docking accessory body femaleconnector 21, supports a connector port 140, similar to connector port25.

FIG. 20E shows a side view of the mobile electronic device 101 with adocking platform 102 of FIG. 2 with attached expandable dockingaccessories 127 in one partially collapsed state, wherein bodies 128 ofthe docking accessories 127 are rotated at oblique angles to the backsurface of the mobile device 101 by differential extension/collapse ofaccessory accordions 129.

FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101 witha docking platform 102 of FIG. 2 with attached generic dockingaccessories that may be either basic accessories 115 or expandableaccessories 127 in a collapsed state.

FIG. 22 shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101 witha docking platform 102 of FIG. 2 with a supplemental lens accessory 142and a supplemental flash accessory 143, according to one embodiment ofthe invention, attached to the docking connectors 109 of the dockingplatform 102.

FIG. 23 shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101 witha docking platform 102 of FIG. 2 with an LED light accessory 145 and athermometer-hygrometer-barometer accessory 144, according to oneembodiment of the invention, attached to the docking connectors 109 ofthe docking platform 102.

FIG. 24 shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101 witha docking platform 102 of FIG. 2 with a supplemental battery accessory146, according to one embodiment of the invention, attached to thedocking connectors 10 of the docking platform 102.

FIG. 25 shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101 witha solar charger accessory 147 attached to the docking connectors 109 ofthe docking platform 102.

FIG. 26A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101with two docked speaker accessories 148, according to one embodiment ofthe invention, in partially expanded modes. Accessory speakers 148 areshown with speaker accessory bodies 149.

FIG. 26B shows an isometric top view of speaker accessory 148 of FIG.26A. Accessory speakers 148 are shown with speaker accessory bodies 149and speaker accessory accordions 150.

FIG. 26C shows an exploded, isometric, top view of speaker accessory 148of FIG. 26A. Speaker flex circuit 151 is disposed within accordion 150and, when assembled, is connected to a speaker accessory piezoelectricspeaker 152 via connector port 169 of female connector 168, FIG. 26D.Other speakers may be used without departing from the scope herein.

FIG. 26D shows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of the speakeraccessory 148 of FIG. 26A. Speaker 148 is shown with speaker accessorypiezoelectric speaker 152, connector port 169, female connector 168,speaker contacts 170, contact insulator 171, and a male alignmentelement 172.

FIG. 26E shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101with the two docked speaker accessories 148 of FIG. 26A in a collapsedmode.

FIG. 27A shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic device 101with two docked electrophysiology-sensor accessories 153, according toone embodiment of the invention, in partially expanded modes.Electrophysiology-sensor accessories 153 are formed with anelectrophysiology sensor accessory body 154, an electrophysiology sensoraccessory accordion 155, and an electrophysiology sensor accessoryelectrode.

FIG. 27B shows an isometric top view of the electrophysiology-sensoraccessory 153 of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 27C shows an exploded, isometric, side view of theelectrophysiology-sensor accessory 153 of FIG. 27A, which exposes thesensor accessory flex circuit 157.

FIG. 28A shows an isometric top view of a game controller accessory 158in its closed state, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28B shows a top view of the game controller accessory 158 of FIG.28A in a partially open state, showing the separation of the slidingcontrol panel 159 and the base 160, facilitated by the movement ofsliding control panel 159 along base tracks 162.

FIG. 28C shows a front view of the mobile electronic device 101 with thegame controller accessory 158 of FIG. 28A docked in its open state.

FIG. 28D shows an isometric bottom view of the game controller accessory158 of FIG. 28A in its open state. FIG. 28E shows an isometric top viewof the game controller accessory 158 in its closed state.

FIG. 29 shows an isometric back view of the mobile electronic device 101with a generic docking platform 102 on its back face with isometricviews of five embodiments of the docking platform 102 radiating outwardfrom the mobile device 101. FIG. 29 is similar to FIG. 15B, with theexception the docking platforms 102 are configured for flush mounting anaccessory to the back surface of mobile electronic device 101 as opposedto the mount strategy of FIG. 15B where an accessory is mounted within acavity. Moving clockwise from the top left, the first docking platformis the docking platform 102 of FIG. 17.

The second docking platform 102A includes two docking connectors 109A,each comprising a single annular magnetic element beneath the outermostsurface of the back face of the mobile electronic device, fortemporarily bonding/coupling with docking accessories, similar todocking connector 109. A circular array of eight electrical contacts,each housed within an insulating contact cavity, for transmission ofdata and power with docked accessories.

The third docking platform 102B includes two docking connectors 109Bformed with a single elongated magnetic element for temporarilybonding/coupling with multiple independent docking accessoriessimultaneously. In one embodiment, docking platform 102B is designed tobe used in conjunction with wireless modes of power and datatransmission, such as inductive charging and Bluetooth communication,between the mobile electronic device 101 and compatible dockingaccessories (not shown).

The fourth docking platform 102C includes two docking connectors 109C,each comprising one disc-shaped magnetic element and a circulararrangement of four elongated docking-accessory stabilization cavitiesfor enhancing the lateral stability of docked accessories.

The fifth embodiment of docking platform 102D, center bottom of FIG.15B, includes magnetic only docking connector 109D docking connector109E comprising a magnetic attachment formed, in the present embodiment,as a single elongated magnetic element just below the surface of dockingplatform 102D. The magnetic element enables docking connector 102D toform a detachable attachment to one or more docking accessories (notshown). The docking accessories communicate wirelessly with mobileelectronic device 101, for example, to transmit and/or receive one orboth of data and power with mobile device 101. Note that dockingconnector 109D includes no electrical contacts. Also, it will beunderstood that although magnetic attachment system 159 is shown as asingle elongated attached system, more than one magnetic attachmentsystem may be used and different shaped attachment systems may be usedwithout departing from the scope herein.

The sixth docking platform 102E includes two docking connectors 109E,each comprising a single disc-shaped magnetic element, eight electricalcontacts arranged in a circular fashion. Each electrical contact ishoused within an insulating contact cavity, and an annular stabilizationshoulder 195 for enhancing the lateral stability of docked accessories.

FIG. 30A shows an isometric bottom view of a square-shaped genericdocking accessory 190 configured to dock with the docking connectors ofthe fourth platform of FIG. 29, having a disc-shaped magnetic elementand a circular array of eight male stabilization bosses.

FIG. 30B shows an isometric bottom view of a rectangular-shaped genericdocking accessory 191 configured to dock with the docking connectors ofthe fourth platform of FIG. 29, with two disc-shaped magnetic elementsand two circular arrays of male stabilization bosses.

It will be understood that a tablet computer may also be configured witha flush-mount accessory platform. For example, docking platform 2 oftablet computer 32, FIG. 16, may be replaced with docking platform 102for flush mounting accessories to tablet computer 32.

FIG. 31A shows one embodiment of a physiological/biometric functionperformed and displayed by mobile electronic device 1, 101 incooperation with a physiological accessory. After docking platform 2,102 or mobile electronic device 1, 101 establishes authenticatedcommunications with a pulse oximeter docking accessory, biological datamay be displayed on a screen of mobile electronic device 1, 101, asshown in FIG. 31B.

FIG. 32 shows an exemplary camera display function 250 performed bymobile electronic device 1, 101. After docking platform 2, 102 or mobileelectronic device 1, 101 establishes authenticated communications withcooperating accessories like lens accessory 142 and supplemental flashaccessory 143, mobile electronic device 1, 101 may display cameradisplay function 250.

FIG. 33 shows an example audio display function 252 performed by dockingplatform 2, 102 or mobile electronic device 1, 101 in association with asound or music application function. After docking platform 2, 102 ormobile electronic device 1, 101 establishes authenticated communicationswith cooperating accessories, like left and right stereo speakeraccessories 148, mobile electronic device 1, 101 may display audiodisplay function 252.

FIG. 34 shows an exemplary battery function 254 performed by dockingplatform 2, 102 or mobile electronic device 101. After docking platform2, 102 or mobile electronic device 1, 101 establishes communicationswith supplemental battery accessory 146, docking platform 2, 102 ormobile electronic device 1, 101 may display battery function 254.

FIG. 35 shows a flowchart 210 illustrating an embodiment of a softwareand logical interface method between docking platform 2, 102 or mobileelectronic device 1, 101, and compatible docking accessories. At step200, method 210 determines if a wired and/or wireless docking accessoryis physically docked to a compatible docking platform, such as dockingplatform 2, 102, 102A-E. If a docking accessory is physically docked,method 210 moves to step 201, otherwise method 210 moves to step 202.

At step 201, method 210 determines if the docking accessory iselectrically connected to an electrical contact-compatible dockingplatform. In one example, docking platform 2, 102 or mobile electronicdevice 1, 101 determines that camera accessory 142 is electricallyconnected. If method 210 determines that there is no electrical contactmade, method 210 moves to step 202.

At step 202, method 210 determines if the docking accessory is a dockingaccessory that supports one or more of wireless communication andwireless power transfer. In one example, docking platform 2, 102 ormobile electronic device 1, 101 determines that camera accessory 142 isa wireless camera accessory. If in step 202, method 210 determines thedocking accessory is not a wireless accessory, method 210 moves to step204, where no data or power link is formed and no further action istaken. If in step 202, method 210 determines that the docking accessoryis a wireless docking accessory, step 202 moves to step 203.

At step 203, method 210 attempts to establish an authenticatedcommunication link with the docking accessory. If no link can beestablished, method 210 moves to step 204, and no further action takesplace, otherwise, once linked, method 210 moves to step 205.

At step 205, method 210, a determination is made regarding the type andconfiguration of the linked docking accessory. In one example, dockingplatform 2, 102 or mobile electronic device 1, 101 determines that adocking accessory is one type of camera accessory 142, wherein the lensof camera accessory 142 is a 28 mm F/1.8 lens that does not include anintegrated flash. The type and configuration of the linked dockingaccessory, in one embodiment, is determined by message passing betweenthe docking accessory and mobile electronic device 1. Method 205 thenmoves to step 206.

At step 206, method 210 determines, for example by using additionalmessage passing, the types and level of cooperation/operabilitysupported by docking platform 2, 102 or mobile electronic device 1, 101and one or more docking accessories. In one example, docking platform 2,102 or mobile electronic device 1, 101 determines that a dockingaccessory supports one or more interoperability modes, for example acamera accessory 142 that interoperates with a flash accessory 143. Inanother example, docking platform 2, 102 or mobile electronic device 1,101 determines that a docked speaker accessory 148 can interoperate withanother docked speaker accessory 148 to form a left and right stereospeaker pair or a bass and treble speaker pair. In still anotherexample, docking platform 2, 102 or mobile electronic device 1, 101determines the docking accessory is a single docking accessory thatutilizes two or more docking connectors, like game controller accessory158, battery accessory 146, or solar charger accessory 147. Method 210then moves to step 207.

At step 207, method 210 performs one or more functions, dependent on thenumber, type, configuration, and operability mode(s) of one or morecurrently docked docking accessories. As an example, docking platform 2,102 or mobile electronic device 1, 101 may include provision to enablespeaker accessories 148 to cooperate to receive left and right channelamplified signals so as to function as a stereo speaker system, asdepicted in FIG. 33. In another example, docking platform 2, 102 ormobile electronic device 1, 101 may include provision to enable cameraaccessory 142 and flash accessory 143 to coordinate such that a flash isdelivered under low light conditions when an image capture event issignaled, as depicted in FIG. 32. In still another example, a wirelesslink is established at step 203, and a wireless scale may operate, inone embodiment, independently of any docked accessories.

While the embodiments shown herein are described with particularity,those skilled in the art will appreciate changes, additions, andapplications other than those specifically mentioned, which are withinthe spirit of this invention. For example, mobile electronic device maybe a mobile media tablet, as in FIG. 16. The docking platform would thenbe sized according to a specific application, and the appropriate numberand configuration of cavities provided. The platform, cavities, anddocking connectors may have different shapes and sizes, as required by acertain application or for aesthetic purposes. The docking connectorsmay have different modes of attachment to docking accessories. Dockingaccessories may be self-powered, and may communicate with the mobileelectronic device wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth®. E.g., adigital scale accessory might be docked for transport, then removed andpositioned in proximity of the mobile electronic device, whilecommunicating via Bluetooth®, as an object is placed on the scale andits weight displayed on the screen of the mobile electronic device.Accessories may be operable for wireless power transmission between theaccessory and the mobile electronic device.

What is claimed is: 1.-56. (canceled)
 57. A method for wireless charginga mobile electronic device, the method comprising: detachably coupling afirst docking connector portion of a platform attached to a mobileelectronic device to a second docking connector portion of an accessorybody of a power docking accessory to secure the power docking accessoryto the mobile electronic device; and inductively transferring power froma battery within the accessory body to the mobile electronic device. 58.The method of claim 57, wherein detachably coupling the first dockingconnector portion to the second docking connector portion comprisesforming a detachable snap-fit connection.
 59. The method of claim 57,wherein detachably coupling the first docking connector portion to thesecond docking connector portion comprises forming a detachable magneticattachment.
 60. The method of claim 57, wherein detachably coupling thefirst docking connector portion to the second docking connector portioncomprises coupling first and second index keys.
 61. The method of claim57, wherein detachably coupling the first docking connector portion tothe second docking connector portion comprises flushly mounting theaccessory body of the power docking accessory to a surface of theplatform.
 62. The method of claim 57, further comprising coupling a backportion of the platform to a back surface of the mobile electronicdevice.
 63. The method of claim 62, further comprising coupling a sideportion of the platform to a side of the mobile electronic device. 64.The method of claim 57, further comprising: uncoupling the first dockingconnector portion from the second docking connector portion; andcoupling a third docking connector portion of a holding dockingaccessory to the first docking connector portion to secure the holdingdocking accessory to the mobile electronic device, the holding dockingaccessory comprising an accordion wall and an end cap such that theaccordion wall is configured to selectively extend outwardly from andretract back toward the platform.